The Missouri Academy of Staged Combat is not currently offering regular classes. Mark Bedell is working in New England but still comes to the St. Louis Area, when invited, to teach workshops, residencies, Fight Direct shows or Stunt Coordinate films, etc. We still have access to our Studio in Sunset Hills and Mark Bedell will teach workshops as scheduling permits.

Check back to this site often to look for updates.

Mark Bedell was in St. Louis as recently as June, 2016 teaching a series of Staged Combat workshops for St. Louis Opera.

Ride Hard, Fall Soft, FIGHT SAFE!

I have worked with Mark in the past on several occasions while I was teaching High School Drama. Mark assisted me on many projects, from one act plays to musicals, to creating an act for the St. Louis Teen Talent Showcase (our act was his idea and creation). Mark is incredibly talented and extremely knowledgeable in his field and in performing arts in general.

Mark choreographs with creativity, style and grace. He also is able to challenge actors to push themselves while at the same time not giving them movements that are above their skill level. He is kind, encouraging and wonderful to work with. His work inspires confidence in his students and in the work that they produce together. It is amazing to watch his students perform because with his teaching and coaching they understand every aspect of the scene they are preparing.

Emily RobinsonTheatre DirectorSt. Louis, MO

High Schools and Universities: Give your students some world-class experience in physical acting. We will custom design the workshop to your needs -- Broadswords, Rapier, Rapier & Dagger, Sword & Shield, Staff, Empty-Hand... Your students will learn the SAFE way to perform combat for the stage and for the screen. We can, if you choose, culminate in a performance of Shakespeare's most notable fights. This is NOT just how to swing a sword or throw a punch, this is truly a physical acting experience.﻿

Theatres and Performing Groups: Get your core company members trained with this very important skill. Not JUST for staged combat, but physical comedy as well. Ensure the safety of your cast while simultaneously ensuring far more dynamic physical conflict and physical comedy in your future shows. Workshop Curriculum will be customized to your stated needs.﻿

GROUP INSTRUCTION FOR ACTION ACTORS(FILM, THEATRE, OPERA PRODUCERS TAKE NOTE:Send your actors to us before you start production. Save a LOT of time and money on set!)Any week you choose... winter, spring, fall in Missouri. Summer in Maine... whatever is good for you. You and up to ten friends get instruction in empty hand, martial arts, broadsword, rapier, firearms and quarterstaff fighting. Receive instruction and experience in high falls, wire work, falls, rolls and anything "specific" you may need for an upcoming role. or you can request special weapons/styles, i.e.: